Private Family Associate Solicitor

LJRecruitment; England; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Leadership role with strategic input

Flexibility around office and hybrid working

Full support for departmental growth

Access to established infrastructure

Job summary

A reputable law firm in the United Kingdom seeks an experienced Private Family Solicitor to establish and lead a new Family Law department. Candidates must have over 5 years of PQE and significant experience managing a full caseload. The role offers a competitive salary, flexibility in working arrangements, and the autonomy to develop the department with strong support from the firm.

Qualifications

• 5+ years PQE in private family law is required.
• Significant experience managing a full caseload independently.
• Advocacy experience and panel membership are advantageous.
• Commercial awareness and ability to build client relationships.
• Experience or desire to lead, develop and grow a team.
• Strategic mindset and drive to build something long-term.
• Panel membership (Resolution, Law Society) advantageous but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creation and development of a new Family Law department.
• Manage own caseload and support business development initiatives.
• Work closely with senior leadership on various strategic aspects.
• Handle divorce, financial remedies, and related agreements.
• Develop client relationships and grow the department's referrals.
• Work with the firm to shape structure, culture and success.

Skills

Qualified Solicitor with 5+ years’ PQE in private family law

Strong technical skills in complex financial matters

Commercial awareness and confidence in building new client relationships

Experience or desire to lead, develop, and grow a team

Strategic mindset and drive to build something long-term

Strategic mindset

Panel experience

Education

Solicitor qualified

Job description

A well-established and forward-thinking regional law firm is seeking an experienced and ambitious Private Family Solicitor to lead the creation and development of a brand-new Family Law department.

With a strong presence across the South East and London, this firm is expanding its services to include a dedicated family law offering. This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a senior solicitor with entrepreneurial spirit to shape the vision, structure, and success of a new department from the ground up.

The Role

You will take a lead role in launching and developing the Family Law department, managing your own caseload while also setting the foundation for a growing team. Typical work will include:

• Divorce and separation
• Financial remedies (including HNW matters)
• Pre- and post-nuptial agreements
• Cohabitation and separation agreements
• Domestic abuse and injunction applications

In addition to fee-earning, you will work closely with senior leadership on strategy, recruitment, business development, compliance, and marketing initiatives. This is an ideal opportunity for a solicitor looking to step into a Head of Department position or someone already operating at that level who’s ready for a fresh challenge.

Key Requirements

• Qualified Solicitor with 5+ years’ PQE in private family law
• Significant experience managing a full caseload independently
• Strong technical skills, particularly in complex financial matters
• Commercial awareness and confidence in building new client relationships
• Experience or desire to lead, develop, and grow a team
• A strategic mindset and drive to build something long-term
• Panel membership (Resolution, Law Society) and advocacy experience are advantageous but not essential

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary (negotiable DOE)
• Leadership role with strategic input and long-term career potential
• Flexibility around office and hybrid working arrangements
• Autonomy to shape and grow a new department with full support
• Access to established infrastructure, marketing, and referrals from a successful firm

Are you ready to take the lead and build something of your own within a respected, growing law firm?

This is a unique chance to launch and grow a family law department under the umbrella of a firm with an excellent reputation, a collaborative culture, and an ambitious outlook.

Salary: Competitive & Negotiable DOE + Benefits

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.